Inverted container holding system

ABSTRACT

A cost-effective and efficient system for the stable support of one or more objects on an essentially flat surface, in a position normally unstable for such objects. More specifically, a system for holding one or more inverted containers containing a food, soap or similar material in a viscous state in order to move the viscous material to the container opening, thereby storing the viscous material nearer the container opening for easier and quicker access. The system comprises a unitary body formed into a structural arch. One or more cloverleaf-shaped apertures are provided within the upper portion of the unitary body to receive the container cap and support the container. The unitary body comprises several small frictional support points.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is related to and claims priority fromApplicant's prior U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/396,440,filed Jul. 17, 2002, entitled “INVERTED CONTAINER HOLDING SYSTEM”, thecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference and are notadmitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by theirmention in this cross-reference section.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This invention relates to a cost-effective,aesthetically-pleasing and efficient system for the stable support ofone or more objects, on an essentially flat surface, in a positionnormally unstable for such objects. More specifically, this inventionprovides a system for holding one or more inverted containers containinga food, soap or other material in a viscous state in order to move theviscous material to the container opening, thereby storing the viscousmaterial nearer the container opening for easier and quicker access.

[0003] Typically, household items, such as ketchup, mustard, shampoo andconditioner are stored in plastic or glass containers. These items areoften kept in the upright position. When the contents of the containersstart running low, especially when the containers are not very full, itis increasingly time-consuming and difficult to get the viscous materialto move to the container opening. Most of the containers are inherentlyunstable in an inverted position, therefore preventing the user fromstoring the container in a position other than upright or on one side.Typically, a user must resort to shaking and squeezing the containermultiple times in order to expel the container contents. This tediousprocess seldom yields the entire remaining amount of material within thecontainer within a reasonable time for the user. Frequently, the userdiscards the container along with a significant amount of remainingmaterial, thereby incurring the cost of wasted material.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A primary object and feature of the present invention is toprovide a system for holding and supporting an object in a positionnormally unstable for the object.

[0005] An additional object and feature of the present invention is toprovide a system for holding an inverted container in an essentiallyupright position.

[0006] It is a further object and feature of the present invention toprovide such a system which is light in weight, is structurally sound,is aesthetically-pleasing, and may be used efficiently for the purposesindicated.

[0007] It is a further object and feature of the present invention toprovide such a system that may be manufactured in families of sizes,colors and coordinating patterns.

[0008] A further primary object and feature of the present invention isto provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive and handy. Otherobjects and features of this invention will become apparent withreference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a holder system for holding at least one inverted container,having at least one container cap, for holding viscous substances in aninverted position between uses, comprising, in combination: unitary bodymeans for supporting the at least one inverted container in a stableposition on a substantially horizontal surface, having at least oneupper body portion, and at least one lower body portion; wherein suchunitary body means comprises at least one arcuate surface having atleast two opposing first symmetrical single arches, and at least onesecond single arch, substantially at the intersections of such firstsymmetrical single arches and such at least one second single arch,bottom supports for supporting such unitary body means, and in such atleast one upper body portion, aperture means for loosely receiving theat least one container cap of the at least one inverted container; andwherein such holder system is structured and arranged to hold andmaintain the at least one inverted container in about an uprightposition. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein: at least onebottom portion of such unitary body means comprises such bottomsupports; such at least one upper portion of such unitary body means isnarrower in length than such at least one bottom portion. Additionally,it provides such a system wherein such aperture means is adapted tosupport at least one shoulder portion of the at least one invertedcontainer when the at least one container cap is in such aperture means.Also, it provides such a system wherein such aperture means issubstantially shamrock-shaped. In addition, it provides such a systemwherein: such unitary body means comprises three such bottom supports;such at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches comprise twosame-shaped end arches; and such at least one second single archcomprises one arched side. And, it provides such a system wherein: suchunitary body means comprises four bottom supports; such at least twoopposing second symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped endarches; and such at least one second single arch comprises twosame-shaped end arches. Further, it provides such a system wherein suchunitary body means comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches.

[0010] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, thisinvention provides a holder system for holding at least one invertedcontainer, having at least one container cap, for holding viscoussubstances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, incombination: at least one unitary body adapted to support the at leastone inverted container in a stable position on a substantiallyhorizontal surface, having at least one upper body portion, and at leastone lower body portion; wherein such at least one unitary body comprisesat least one arcuate surface having at least two opposing firstsymmetrical single arches, and at least one second single arch;substantially at the intersections of such first symmetrical singlearches and such at least one second single arch, bottom supports forsupporting such at least one unitary body, and in such at least oneupper body portion, at least one aperture for loosely receiving the atleast one container cap of the at least one inverted container; andwherein such holder system is structured and arranged to hold andmaintain the at least one inverted container in about an uprightposition. Even further, it provides such a system wherein: at least onebottom portion of such at least one unitary body comprises such bottomsupports; such at least one upper portion of such at least one unitarybody is narrower in length than such at least one bottom portion.Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such aperture means issubstantially shaped to support at least one shoulder portion of the atleast one inverted container when the at least one container cap is insuch at least one aperture. Additionally, it provides such a systemwherein such at least one aperture is substantially shamrock-shaped.

[0011] Also, it provides such a system wherein: such at least oneunitary body comprises three such bottom supports; such at least twoopposing first symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped endarches; and such at least one second single arch comprises one archedside. In addition, it provides such a system wherein: such at least oneunitary body comprises four bottom supports; such at least two opposingsecond symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches;and such at least one second single arch comprises two same-shaped endarches. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one unitarybody comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches. Further, itprovides such a system wherein such at least one aperture issubstantially shamrock-shaped.

[0012] Even further, it provides such a system wherein: such at leastone unitary body comprises three such bottom supports; such at least twoopposing first symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped endarches; and such at least one second single arch comprises one archedside. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least oneunitary body comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches. Evenfurther, it provides such a system wherein: such at least one unitarybody comprises four bottom supports; such at least two opposing secondsymmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and suchat least one second single arch comprises two same-shaped end arches.Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least oneunitary body comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches.

[0013] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, thisinvention provides a holder system for simultaneously holding aplurality of inverted containers, each such plurality of invertedcontainers having at least one container cap, for holding viscoussubstances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, incombination: at least one unitary body adapted to support the pluralityof inverted containers in a stable position on a substantiallyhorizontal surface, having at least one upper body portion, and at leastone lower body portion; wherein such at least one unitary body comprisesat least one arcuate surface having at least two opposing firstsymmetrical single arches, and at least one second single arch,substantially at the intersections of such first symmetrical singlearches and such at least one second single arch, bottom supports forsupporting such at least one unitary body, and in such at least oneupper body portion, at least one aperture for loosely receiving the atleast one container cap of the plurality of inverted containers; andwherein such holder system is structured and arranged to simultaneouslyhold and maintain the plurality of inverted containers in about anupright position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theinverted container holding system according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a side view of the inverted container holding systemaccording to FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a top view of the inverted container holding systemaccording to FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a side view of the inverted container holding systemaccording to FIG. 1.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a sectional view through the section 5-5 of FIG. 3.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred tripod embodiment ofthe inverted container holding system according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a side view of the inverted container holding systemaccording to FIG. 6.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a top view of the inverted container holding systemaccording to FIG. 6.

[0022]FIG. 9 is a sectional view through the section 9-9 of FIG. 8.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a side view of the inverted container holding systemaccording to FIG. 6 (from the left).

[0024]FIG. 11 is another side view of the inverted container holdingsystem according to FIG. 6 (from the right).

[0025]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an additional preferredembodiment of the inverted container holding system capable ofsimultaneously supporting two inverted containers according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of FIG.12 supporting in an inverted position, two inverted containers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In the design of supporting structures the inherent strength ofthe arch-shape is well-known. Curved structural spans may be designed toefficiently hold applied loads of nearly any weight. It is alsowell-known that the pressure applied to a support surface by a restingobject of a given weight increases as the contact area of support isreduced. Aspects of the present invention efficiently combine andutilize, in a new and useful manner, the above-mentioned properties, aswill be apparent upon reading the teachings of this specification.

[0028]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theinverted container holding system 50, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. Embodiment 80 preferably comprisesa unitary body 82, adapted to stably support inverted container 104′ ona horizontal surface 600 (see FIG. 2), such as a table (herein embodyingunitary body means for supporting the at least one inverted container ina stable position on a substantially horizontal surface), as shown.Preferably, unitary body 82 comprises a smoothly-arched member (hereinembodying at least one arcuate surface), comprising an essentiallyparabolic structural section having multiple arcuate edges 84, 86, 88and 90, as shown. Preferably, arcuate edges 84 and 86 each define endarch(es) 92 and 92′, and arcuate edges 88 and 90 each define shorterside arch(es) 94 and 94′, as shown. Preferably, the opposing endarch(es) 92 and 92′ are essentially parabolic and symmetrical, as areside arch(es) 94 and 94′ (herein embodying wherein such unitary bodymeans comprises at least one arcuate surface having at least twoopposing first symmetrical single arches, and at least one second singlearch, and further herein embodying such at least two opposing secondsymmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and suchat least one second single arch comprises two same-shaped end arches,and further herein embodying wherein such unitary body means comprisesat least two essentially parabolic arches), as shown. Preferably, thelower portion 57 (herein embodying at least one lower body portion) ofunitary body 82 is supported along four base point(s) 95, 97, 99 and101, as shown (herein embodying wherein such unitary body meanscomprises four bottom supports). Preferably, a base point (for example,as base point 97) is positioned at the intersections of an end arch(such as end arch 92) and a side arch (for example, side arch 94), asshown (herein embodying substantially at the intersections of such firstsymmetrical single arches and such at least one second single arch,bottom supports for supporting such unitary body means, and hereinembodying wherein at least one bottom portion of such unitary body meanscomprises such bottom supports). The upper portion of embodiment 80,between end arch apex point 102 and end arch apex point 102′, furthercomprises a top portion 96 (herein embodying at least one upper bodyportion), as shown. Preferably, embodiment 80 comprises a single opening100. Preferably, the single opening 100 is centered between end archapex point 102 and end arch apex point 102′, as shown. Preferably, thesingle opening 100 is sized to permit a container cap 104 of about 1.25inch diameter to loosely pass through it (herein embodying in such atleast one upper body portion, aperture means for loosely receiving theat least one container cap of the at least one inverted container).

[0029] A preferred range of accommodated container cap 104 diameters istypically about 0.75 to 1.25 inches. Those skilled in the art, uponreading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as specific productapplication, other sizes of opening 100, such as to fit a larger orsmaller container, may suffice. A majority of viscous liquid productcontainers are designed with a stable base portion and an upperdispensing portion (typically a snap, screw or twist cap) generallylocated opposite the stable base. The structure of the upper dispensingportion is seldom designed to perform as a stable support for thecontainer. Inverted container holding system 50 is preferably adapted tohold and stably support a container in what is normally an unstableposition for the container (herein embodying wherein such holder systemis structured and arranged to hold and maintain the at least oneinverted container in about an upright position). In the example of FIG.1, container cap 104 is passed through opening 100 until an upperportion (now inverted) of inverted container 104′ rests against topportion 96 of unitary base 82, as shown. The preferred arrangement ofinverted container holding system 50 engages container cap 104 toprevent overturning of inverted container 104′, thereby permittinginverted container 104′ to be maintained in an essentially uprightposition.

[0030]FIG. 2 is a side view of embodiment 80 of the inverted containerholding system 50, according to FIG. 1. Preferably, the arching form ofunitary base 82 comprises a shape closely approaching that of aparabola, as shown. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachingsof this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as structural integrity andweight of supported load, other generally curving shapes, such ascircular segments, elliptical segments or multifaceted polygons, maysuffice for the design of unitary base 82. Preferably, unitary base 82is essentially symmetrical about an axis 106, preferably passing throughend arch 92 at end arch apex point 102, as shown. Although embodiment 80may comprise a number of preferred heights, embodiment 80 mostpreferably comprises a height A of about 2.93 inches, as shown.

[0031] Under a container load (indicated by load 500) an outward thrust(indicated by arrows 502 and 502′) is generated within the arched formof unitary body 82. This thrust is resisted, in part, by the structuralrigidity of the system's material of construction. It is noted that thehighly-preferred arrangement of three or four splayed support points,having relatively small areas of contact (thereby developing highlyconcentrated points of friction), assists substantially in resisting theoutward thrust imposed on unitary body 82 under load. Thisthrust-resisting feature permits the use of structurally lightermaterials, thereby reducing the overall material cost and weight ofinverted container holding system 50.

[0032]FIG. 3 is a top view of embodiment 80 of the inverted containerholding system 50, according to FIG. 1. Single opening 100 mostpreferably comprises a cloverleaf shape, although, those skilled in theart, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues asdiverse container shapes and aesthetic preferences, other shapes forsingle opening 100, such as round or elliptical, may suffice. Thepreferred size of opening 100 is as described in FIG. 8, below.Preferably, the primary area of container support is at shoulderportions 105 (see inverted container 104′ of FIG. 1). Preferably,opening 100 comprises an arrangement of convex edges 134, 136, 138 and140, providing stable support points to both shoulder portions 105 andportions of container cap 104, as shown (herein embodying wherein suchaperture means is adapted to support at least one shoulder portion ofthe at least one inverted container when the at least one container capis in such aperture means). In has been found that the symmetrical array(forming the highly-preferred cloverleaf shape) of convex edges 134,136, 138 and 140 provides an unexpectedly stable support for invertedcontainer 104′.

[0033] Preferably, unitary base 82 of embodiment 80 is essentiallysymmetrical about axis 106, as well as about axis 106′, as shown.Although embodiment 80 may comprise a diverse range of preferred widthsand lengths, embodiment 80 most preferably comprises a width B of about3.34 inches, and a preferred length C of about 3.98 inches, as shown.

[0034]FIG. 4 is a side view of embodiment 80 of the inverted containerholding system 50, according to FIG. 1. To provide a high degree ofstability to the system during support, the width C between basepoint(s) 97 and 99 is wider than top portion 96 between end arch apexpoint(s) 102, 102′, as shown (herein embodying such at least one upperportion of such unitary body means is narrower in length than such atleast one bottom portion). Preferably, top portion 96 between end archapex point(s) 102, 102′ comprises width F of about 2.53 inches, asshown.

[0035]FIG. 5 is a sectional view through the section 5-5 of FIG. 3,illustrating the preferred arrangement of embodiment 80 of the invertedcontainer holding system 50. Inverted container holding system 50 ispreferably constructed from a substantially rigid material capable ofsustaining the compressive weight of the supported container, whilesimultaneously resisting the outward thrust generated within the arch.Inverted container holding system 50 is preferably constructed from arigid thermoplastic, preferably an injection-moldable grade ofpolypropylene, having a preferred thickness of between about 3.5 mm toabout 2 mm. Other highly-preferred materials include formed acrylic,preferably having a grip-assisting, sand-blasted finish. Those skilledin the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, willappreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as cost and intended use, other materials, such as metals,including aluminum, plastics such as polyethylene, PVC, ABS, hard andsemi-hard rubbers and urethanes, may suffice for use in producinginverted container holding system 50.

[0036]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred tripod embodiment 380of the inverted container holding system 50, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. Embodiment 380 preferably comprisesa unitary body 382 adapted to stably support inverted container 104′ ona horizontal surface 600, such as a table or countertop (hereinembodying unitary body means and, for supporting the at least oneinverted container in a stable position on a substantially horizontalsurface), as shown, referably, unitary body 382 comprises asmoothly-arched member (comprising an essentially parabolic section)having multiple arcuate edges 384, 386, and 388, as shown. Preferably,arcuate edges 384 and 386 each define end arch(es) 392 and 392′, andarcuate edge 388 and 90 defines a shorter side arch 394, as shown(herein embodying such at least two opposing first symmetrical singlearches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and such at least one secondsingle arch comprises one arched side). Preferably, the opposing endarch(es) 392 and 392′ are essentially symmetrical, as shown. Preferably,the unitary body 382 is supported along three base point(s) 395, 397,and 399, as shown (herein embodying substantially at the intersectionsof such first symmetrical single arches and such at least one secondsingle arch, bottom supports for supporting such at least one unitarybody, and further herein embodying wherein such unitary body meanscomprises three such bottom supports). The preferred use of threesupport points permits the system to achieve the highest degree ofstability on any planar support surface. Preferably, two base points 397and 399 are formed at the intersections of end arch(es) 392 and 392′,and the single side arch 394, as shown. Preferably, the third base point395 is formed at the intersection of end arch(es) 392 and 392′, asshown. The upper portion of embodiment 380, between end arch apex point302 and end arch apex point 302′, further comprises a top portion 396,as shown. Preferably, embodiment 80 comprises a single opening 100.Preferably, the single opening 300 is centered between end arch apexpoint 302 and end arch apex point 302′, as shown. Preferably, the singleopening 300 permits a container cap 104 (see FIG. 1) of about 1.25 inchdiameter to pass through it. As in the prior embodiments, the preferredrange of accommodated container cap 104 diameter is typically about 0.75to 1.25 inches. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings ofthis specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as specific product application,other opening 300 sizes, such as to fit a larger or smaller container,may suffice.

[0037]FIG. 7 is a side view of embodiment 380 of the inverted containerholding system 50, according to FIG. 6. Preferably, the side profile ofunitary base 382 comprises a shape closely approaching that of aparabola, as shown. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachingsof this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as structural integrity andsupported load, other generally curving structural shapes, such ascircular segments, elliptical segments or multifaceted polygons maysuffice for the design of unitary base 382. Although embodiment 380 maycomprise a number of preferred heights, embodiment 380 most preferablycomprises a height G of about 2.93 inches, as shown.

[0038]FIG. 8 is a top view of embodiment 380 of the inverted containerholding system 50, according to FIG. 6. Single opening 300 mostpreferably comprises a cloverleaf shape, although, those skilled in theart, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues asdiverse container shapes and aesthetic preferences, other shapes forsingle opening 300, such as round or elliptical, may suffice.Preferably, the primary area of container support is at shoulderportions 105 (with continued reference to the inverted container 104′ ofFIG. 1). Preferably, opening 300 comprises an arrangement of convexedges 334, 336, 338 and 340, providing stable support points to bothshoulder portions 105 (see FIG. 1), and portions of container cap 104,as shown (herein embodying wherein such aperture means is adapted tosupport at least one shoulder portion of the at least one invertedcontainer when the at least one container cap is in such aperturemeans). As previously described, it has been found that thehighly-preferred cloverleaf shape formed by the array of convex edges334, 336, 338 and 340 provides an unexpectedly stable support forinverted container 104′ (herein embodying wherein such holder system isstructured and arranged to hold and maintain the at least one invertedcontainer in about an upright position). Although opening 300 maycomprise a diverse range of preferred widths and lengths, opening 300most preferably comprises a width K of about 1.35 inches, and apreferred length J of about 1.65 inches, as shown.

[0039]FIG. 9 is a sectional view through the section 9-9 of FIG. 8. Toprovide a high measure of stability to the system during support, thelower portion 357 between base point(s) 397 and 399 is wider than topportion 396 between end arch apex point(s) 302, 302′, as shown (hereinembodying such at least one upper portion of such unitary body means isnarrower in length than such at least one bottom portion). Preferably,top portion 396 between end arch apex point(s) 302, 302′ comprises widthL of about 2.50 inches, and the lower portion 357 between base point(s)397 and 399 comprises a preferred width M of about 3.86 inches, asshown.

[0040]FIG. 10 is a side view of embodiment 380 of the inverted containerholding system, according to FIG. 6.

[0041]FIG. 11 is another side view of embodiment 380 of the invertedcontainer holding system, according to FIG. 6.

[0042] In reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, with continued reference tothe prior figures, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an additionalpreferred embodiment 160 of the inverted container holding system 50,capable of simultaneously supporting two inverted containers, accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is aperspective view of the preferred embodiment 160 of FIG. 12 supportingin an inverted position, two inverted containers. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13illustrate embodiment 160. Preferably, embodiment 160 comprises aunitary body 162 adapted to permit a plurality of containers to besupported on a horizontal surface 600, such as a table (herein embodyingat least one unitary body adapted to support the plurality of invertedcontainers in a stable position on a substantially horizontal surface).As in previous embodiments, unitary body 162 preferably comprisesmultiple arcuate edges 164, 166, 168 and 170, as shown. Preferably,arcuate edges 166 and 170 each define end arch(es) 172 and 172′, andarcuate edges 164 and 168 each define shorter side arch(es) 174 and174′, as shown. Preferably, the opposing end arch(es) 172 and 172′ areessentially symmetrical, as are side arch(es) 174 and 174′, as shown.The unitary body 162 further preferably comprises an upper portionhaving two openings 178 and 180, as shown (herein embodying in such atleast one upper body portion, at least one aperture for looselyreceiving the at least one container cap of the plurality of invertedcontainers).

[0043] The openings 178 and 180 are illustrated as round openings;however, under appropriate circumstances, such as to accommodate aspecific container, they may be elliptical, or most preferably,cloverleaf-shaped, as illustrated in the previous embodiments of theinverted container holding system 50. Under appropriate circumstances,additional openings other than opening(s) 178 and 180, shapes andarrangements may also suffice. Further illustrated in FIG. 13 arecontainer(s) 182 and 184 held in the preferred inverted andsubstantially upright position (herein embodying wherein such holdersystem is structured and arranged to simultaneously hold and maintainthe plurality of inverted containers in about an upright position).Preferably, containers 182 and 184 sit in the openings 178 and 180, asshown, and are supported by the unitary body 162, as shown.

[0044] In a preferred method of design and manufacture, the arches,contours and curves of the above embodiments are created utilizing3-dimensional modeling, preferably, Adobe Illustrator® Version 9,preferably utilizing, in combination, Rational-B splines manipulated ina plane view and converted to generate 3-dimensional images in ProEngineer Software® Version 2001. Preferably, the 3-dimensional imagesare then used to prototype the product and eventually to “burn” steelfor injection-molding tooling. These processes include using Acrylicsheet laser cutting, router cutting, and bending after heating, andbending the shapes during cooling of the acrylic, while using a woodenplug tool.

[0045] Preferably, all of the above-described embodiments may comprisean optional non-skid coating, preferably, Urethane or Santoprene, orAlcryn material. Preferably, coverage is from the base support pointsupward to about one-half inch. Under appropriate circumstances, othermaterial or non-skid arrangements may suffice. Preferably, the non-skidmaterial is part of the material injection-molding process.

[0046] Although applicant has described applicant's preferredembodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadestscope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapesand sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claimsas read in connection with the above specification. Further, many otheradvantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from the above descriptions and the below claims.

What is claimed is: 1) A holder system for holding at least one invertedcontainer, having at least one container cap, for holding viscoussubstances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, incombination: a) unitary body means for supporting the at least oneinverted container in a stable position on a substantially horizontalsurface, having at least one upper body portion, and at least one lowerbody portion; b) wherein said unitary body means comprises i) at leastone arcuate surface having at least two opposing first symmetricalsingle arches, and at least one second single arch, ii) substantially atthe intersections of said first symmetrical single arches and said atleast one second single arch, bottom supports for supporting saidunitary body means, and iii) in said at least one upper body portion,aperture means for loosely receiving the at least one container cap ofthe at least one inverted container; and c) wherein said holder systemis structured and arranged to hold and maintain the at least oneinverted container in about an upright position. 2) The system accordingto claim 1 wherein: a) at least one bottom portion of said unitary bodymeans comprises said bottom supports; b) said at least one upper portionof said unitary body means is narrower in length than said at least onebottom portion. 3) The system according to claim 1 wherein said aperturemeans is adapted to support at least one shoulder portion of the atleast one inverted container when the at least one container cap is insaid aperture means. 4) The system according to claim 3 wherein saidaperture means is substantially shamrock-shaped. 5) The system accordingto claim 1 wherein: a) said unitary body means comprises three saidbottom supports; b) said at least two opposing first symmetrical singlearches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and c) said at least onesecond single arch comprises one arched side. 6) The system according toclaim 1 wherein: a) said unitary body means comprises four bottomsupports; b) said at least two opposing second symmetrical single archescomprise two same-shaped end arches; and c) said at least one secondsingle arch comprises two same-shaped end arches. 7) The systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said unitary body means comprises at leasttwo essentially parabolic arches. 8) A holder system for holding atleast one inverted container, having at least one container cap, forholding viscous substances in an inverted position between uses,comprising, in combination: a) at least one unitary body adapted tosupport the at least one inverted container in a stable position on asubstantially horizontal surface, having at least one upper bodyportion, and at least one lower body portion; b) wherein said at leastone unitary body comprises i) at least one arcuate surface having atleast two opposing first symmetrical single arches, and at least onesecond single arch. ii) substantially at the intersections of said firstsymmetrical single arches and said at least one second single arch,bottom supports for supporting said at least one unitary body, and iii)in said at least one upper body portion, at least one aperture forloosely receiving the at least one container cap of the at least oneinverted container; and iv) wherein said holder system is structured andarranged to hold and maintain the at least one inverted container inabout an upright position. 9) The system according to claim 8 wherein:a) at least one bottom portion of said at least one unitary bodycomprises said bottom supports; b) said at least one upper portion ofsaid at least one unitary body is narrower in length than said at leastone bottom portion. 10) The system according to claim 8 wherein saidaperture means is substantially shaped to support at least one shoulderportion of the at least one inverted container when the at least onecontainer cap is in said at least one aperture. 11) The system accordingto claim 10 wherein said at least one aperture is substantiallyshamrock-shaped. 12) The system according to claim 8 wherein: a) said atleast one unitary body comprises three said bottom supports; b) said atleast two opposing first symmetrical single arches comprise twosame-shaped end arches; and c) said at least one second single archcomprises one arched side. 13) The system according to claim 8 wherein:a) said at least one unitary body comprises four bottom supports; b)said at least two opposing second symmetrical single arches comprise twosame-shaped end arches; and c) said at least one second single archcomprises two same-shaped end arches. 14) The system according to claim8 wherein said at least one unitary body comprises at least twoessentially parabolic arches. 15) The system according to claim 9wherein said at least one aperture is substantially shamrock-shaped. 16)The system according to claim 15 wherein: a) said at least one unitarybody comprises three said bottom supports; b) said at least two opposingfirst symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; andc) said at least one second single arch comprises one arched side. 17)The system according to claim 16 wherein said at least one unitary bodycomprises at least two essentially parabolic arches. 18) The systemaccording to claim 15 wherein: a) said at least one unitary bodycomprises four bottom supports; b) said at least two opposing secondsymmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and c)said at least one second single arch comprises two same-shaped endarches. 19) The system according to claim 18 wherein said at least oneunitary body comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches. 20) Aholder system for simultaneously holding a plurality of invertedcontainers, each such plurality of inverted containers having at leastone container cap, for holding viscous substances in an invertedposition between uses, comprising, in combination: a) at least oneunitary body adapted to support the plurality of inverted containers ina stable position on a substantially horizontal surface, having at leastone upper body portion, and at least one lower body portion; b) whereinsaid at least one unitary body comprises i) at least one arcuate surfacehaving at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches, and atleast one second single arch. ii) substantially at the intersections ofsaid first symmetrical single arches and said at least one second singlearch, bottom supports for supporting said at least one unitary body, andiii) in said at least one upper body portion, at least one aperture forloosely receiving the at least one container cap of the plurality ofinverted containers; and iv) wherein said holder system is structuredand arranged to simultaneously hold and maintain the plurality ofinverted containers in about an upright position.